“So many people have forgotten what Christmas is all about — everybody’s always me, me, me instead of you, you, you.”

Those were the words spoken by Santa Claus, a.k.a. Selectman Patrick Tropeano, who donned a big beard and dressed up in red and white as part of the Christmas Eve Dinner for the Homeless, which was held Wednesday afternoon at the Dudley Brown VFW in Onset.

Tropeano and a group of more than 30 volunteers helped with the event, which was organized by Deneen Rose, president of the Onset Cape Verdean Festival.

There, those in need were able to have a warm meal, grab a “goodie bag” packed with toiletries, batteries, flashlights, and other essentials, and obtain clothing, canned goods, and more.

“(Rose) kind of grabbed the bull by the horns,” said Tropeano. “We thought it was a terrific idea.”

Rose said the turnout for the dinner was modest, but after going around to several of the town's motels where a large number of needy people stay, Rose said they’d be going back out to deliver more than 50 meals.

“We’re strangers to them,” said Rose, saying it was difficult to get people to Onset for the dinner.

“If we give out one meal or 10 meals, at least we’re giving out something,” she added.

Rose said they’d received more than $1,000 in cash donations to go towards the dinner, with food, clothing, and other items also donated.

“We had a very overwhelming response from the community, and we have tons of volunteers, which is good,” she said. “I want to thank all the volunteers and everyone who helped out.”

Several younger volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club were also on hand, and DJ Lady K spun some tunes for the those present.

“We’ve been picking up plates and cleaning up,” said 12-year-old Simone Vasconcellos.

Rose said Interstate donated 72 packages of batteries, 200 tooth brushes were donated by a local dentist’s office, and paper products and water were donated by the Gateway Tavern, among other donations. She said Bridgewater State University President Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria donated all the food used to feed those present, and several local flower shops donated the centerpieces for the tables.

Tropeano said he was happy to lend a hand, as both children and adults enjoyed having “Santa” around.

“This is the fun part about doing what we do,” he said. “You get to talk to the people, and you get to feel them and hear what their problems and concerns are and what they’re going through. All the other stuff doesn’t seem to matter much.”

“It will grow,” he added. “This kind of thing can really take off and help the community. We’re not the most affluent community, but a lot of people are willing to help.”